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The 48-23 Boston Celtics will round out the seeding game schedule with a Thursday afternoon clash in Orlando. The early lunchtime tip-off of 12:00pm EST sees Boston square up against the 24-47 Washington Wizards. The game promises to be a showcase of the entire C’s youth brigade in what should be a fun ending to the regular season.
Fresh off a four-game win streak, Brad Stevens has listed Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, Gordon Hayward and Daniel Theis as unavailable for the clash due to mix of “load management” and various niggles. The C’s end of the bench guys will get lots of reps today as Boston prepares for a playoff matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers.
#NEBHInjuryReport tomorrow vs. Washington:
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) August 12, 2020
Jaylen Brown (rest) - OUT
Gordon Hayward (rest) - OUT
Marcus Smart (rest) - OUT
Jayson Tatum (left ankle sprain) - OUT
Daniel Theis (right foot soreness) - OUT
Kemba Walker (left knee rehab) - OUT
These two teams last met on January 6th at Capital One Arena, with the Celtics falling 94-99, behind Ish Smith’s 27 point performance. The Washington Wizards fell to the Bucks in a 126-113 clash Wednesday highlighted by the “headbutt” which made NBA headlines. Ever reliable bench veteran Ish Smith can score in bunches with that trademark afterburner speed and Rui Hachimura can score down low logging 23 points on 10-16 against NOLA and 20 points against the Bucks in his last outing.
Jerome Robinson has also had some good games for Washington in Orlando with 15 points and 7 assists against Milwaukee. Watch for big man Thomas Bryant to impact the scoreboard as he has been efficient contributor in Orlando with multiple double-double outings.
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Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
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Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
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Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
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Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
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Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
Coming into the Game on a seven game losing streak, the Wiz are 24-47 on the season with an assortment of absentees from the roster, many of whom didn’t even make the trip to Orlando for Bubble life.
Celtics Rookies Tacko Fall, Tremont Waters and Carsen Edwards will likely see extended time as Brad Stevens will be mindful of minutes and the health of some of the Celtics potential playoff rotation players. These include Brad Wanamaker, Robert Williams, Semi Ojeleye and Enes Kanter. For Boston, the health of the big men will prove pivotal as the team looks ahead to a looming showdown with Joel Embiid.
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Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
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Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
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Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
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Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
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Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
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Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
The early tip off and a lack of any real stake in the game will be a factor, the Celtics players and coaches will be anxious to move onto the playoffs in full health. For Washington, they will be looking ahead to packing bags and an imminent departure from the DisneyWorld Bubble, shortly after the conclusion of the game.
Projected Starters*
PG – Brad Wanamaker – Jerome Robinson
SG – Romeo Langford – Troy Brown Jr.
SF – Semi Ojeleye – Isaac Bonga
PF – Grant Williams – Rui Hachimura
C – Robert Williams – Thomas Bryant
Injuries
Boston: Everyone of significance in the quest for Banner 18
Washington: Bradley Beal, Davis Bertans, Gary Payton II, Garrison Mathews, John Wall (out), Jarrod Uthoff (Day-to-Day).
How To Watch
Time – 12:00pm EST
TV – NBC Sports Boston, NBA League Pass